Ohio maintenance worker, 46, killed in deadly explosion at metal plant

The man who was killed in an explosion at a metal manufacturing plant in Bedford, Ohio has been identified. Steve Mullins (pictured), 46, died as a result of the fatal explosion at the Northeast Ohio business, which makes brass and bronze alloys. The building set alight, and molten metal rained down in the surrounding area following the blast on Monday. According to a Facebook post from I. Schumann & Co — the plant where the explosion occurred — Mullins in 2019 celebrated 25 years with the company as a maintenance worker. 

Friends and family have paid tribute to the worker on social media, with many posting photos of memories with Mullins (pictured) after hearing of his death. He was one of 14 people who were injured in the explosion. In total, 13 were sent to the hospital for their injuries and their conditions are unknown at this time. 

Ambulances were pictured on the scene of I. Schumann & Co., which makes brass and bronze alloys. It’s unclear what caused the explosion, which happened around 2.15pm Monday. One person was originally listed in critical condition but just after 8.30pm, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed one person — now identified as Mullins — died from their injuries.

The blast sent smoke billowing into the sky that could be seen for miles around the damaged factory. Emergency services have also requested the development of several medical helicopters. All of those injured were on site, the falling debris having spared those at neighboring businesses, Oakwood Fire Department Captain Brian DiRocco said. ‘The people were mostly walking wounded. They were coming up to us,’ DiRocco said. ‘I’m sure there’s a lot of people that work here that were in shock.’

Witnesses told local News 5 that there were two explosions: a small one followed by a larger one around 2.30pm. The brick wall of the building was completely blown away, with bricks hitting cars and businesses nearby. Debris was also blown across the street. ‘I’m finishing my porkchop from Tasty Take-Outs, like I usually do … finished my porkchop … next thing you know—BOOM. I looked over and it was just … boom. Ridiculous, I don’t know how nothing hit me,’ a witness told News 5.

Oakwood Fire Department officials said the cause of the explosion is under investigation but called the facility a ‘relatively safe plant.’ ‘It’s a foundry, so you’re dealing with molten hot metal, so there’s always an inherent danger,’ a spokesman said. 

Representatives of the company, which produces copper, brass and bronze allows, could not immediately be reached for comment. The business has operated since 1917, according to its website. Pictured: Two unnamed workers walk away from the I. Schumann & Co. metals plant after an explosion at the factory. 

Matthew Wiggins, owner of the neighboring business Rose Colored Gaming, told WOIO he heard a large explosion and that ‘within a second or two, it sounded like large amounts of debris were hitting the roof.’ ‘Things were falling off the walls, falling off shelves. We went out front and there was like smoldering rocks and molten metal in the yard. Tons and tons of smoke. Fire billowing out of the building across the street,’ Wiggins said. 

Another witness, Joe Sarconi, said he was eating lunch in his car across the street when he heard at least two explosions that obliterated a brick wall enclosing the property. ‘A beam flew across the street. That other beam flew across the street and blew out our window,’ Sarconi said. ‘Exciting, but horrible.’ I. Schumann & Co said in a statement on Monday: ‘An explosion of unknown origin struck our Bedford, Ohio facility today resulting in injuries to employees and significant damage to the facility. Our efforts now are focused on supporting the first responders who came on scene quickly to help our employees.’

‘The safety and health of our employees is our top priority and we commit to ensuring they receive the medical care they need. We will work alongside investigators in their search for answers as part of our commitment to Northeast Ohio where we have been operating for more than 100 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with our team members and their families at this difficult time.’ Pictured: A helmet was left on the ground from a worker that escaped the explosion.

Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page here and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.